Heart-Healthy Tahini Caesar Salad

Elevate your salad game with this Heart-Healthy Tahini Caesar Salad, a nutrient-packed twist on the classic Caesar. Crisp romaine lettuce and hearty kale form the fiber-rich base, while juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color. Tossed in a creamy tahini dressing infused with zesty lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a hint of garlic, this salad offers bold, tangy flavors without the dairy or heavy oils. Whole grain croutons baked to golden perfection with a sprinkle of smoked paprika deliver irresistible crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vegan-friendly, heart-healthy recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing side. Whether you’re looking to eat lighter, embrace plant-based ingredients, or try a wholesome spin on a beloved classic, this dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and simplicity.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 heads Romaine lettuce
• 2 cups Kale
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 2 slices Whole grain bread
• 3 tablespoons Tahini
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove Garlic
• 3 teaspoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 1 tablespoon Nutritional yeast
• 0.25 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the whole grain bread into small 1-inch cubes to create croutons.

Step 3

Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with smoked paprika and a pinch of salt.

Step 4

Bake the bread cubes for 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, then set aside to cool.

Step 5

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and kale into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl.

Step 6

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the salad bowl.

Step 7

In a small bowl, prepare the tahini dressing by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 2 teaspoons olive oil, water, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Add more water if the dressing is too thick.

Step 8

Pour the tahini dressing over the lettuce, kale, and cherry tomatoes. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 9

Top the salad with the baked croutons.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy this heart-healthy twist on a classic Caesar salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1618.7 grams (1618.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1119

Total Fat 75.90g	97%
Saturated Fat 11.90g	60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1958mg	85%
Total Carbohydrate 81.10g	29%
Dietary Fiber 30.30g	108%
Total Sugars 18.40g
Protein 40.40g	81%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 4125mg	317%
Iron 16086mg	89364%
Potassium 3339mg	71%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.4%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 27.7%